Planet Textiles Summit to discuss environmental compliance

Among many topics, the Planet Textiles Summit which focuses on textiles and sustainability will discuss tough new environmental legislation being implemented in the Chinese textile sector.

“The Summit which will be held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics will take place on October 14, 2015 will also discuss on how the legislation is being enforced,” a Messe Frankfurt press release said.

Others who will deliver addresses are Veronique Rochet, head of sustainability (Asia) at H&M, along with representatives from ZDHC, Bluesign Technologies, Nimkartek and the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE).

Also providing an address will be Zhao Lin from Solidaridad, who will highlight the work of the Better Mill Initiative in China, which was launched in partnership with H&M and other major international retailers.

The program supports 43 textiles dyeing and printing mills in China to improve their environmental and social performance through tailor made support, group learning and experience exchange.

Both the summit and fair will take place at the newly built National Convention and Exhibition Center, Shanghai, China.

In addition to Planet Textiles, the fair features an increasingly popular ‘All About Sustainability’ zone which was created in response to market demand both in China and from the global textiles industry.

This year’s zone has increased in size by nearly 30 per cent and features three sections; an educational zone, ecoBoutique display and seminar area.

In the educational zone, sustainability related NGOs, certifiers, testing companies, as well as manufacturers with eco-friendly products will feature, as will the returning Oeko-Tex Pavilion.

The ecoBoutique area will highlight exhibitors’ outfits and collections made from eco fabrics, while a full seminar program will present new trends and the latest sustainability issues.

“Sustainability has become a key issue in China, not just at a government and textile industry level, but also among consumers,” Wendy Wen, senior general manager at Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said.

“Both the Planet Textiles Summit and All About Sustainability are a response to this increasing interest in China,” she added.

“They provide the perfect platform for overseas organisations in the field of sustainability to share their experience and expertise and promote their brand to the domestic and global industry,” Wen informed.

“The issue of environmental sustainability in the Chinese textile industry now extends way beyond the boundaries of the supply chain,” said MCL global director John Mowbray.

“Thanks to the work of the IPE and the government, Chinese consumers can now become stakeholders and take a unique role in the governance of textile pollution in China,” he too added. (AR)